White Shepherd Dog

White Shepherd Dogs are always ready to protect, play or work. Not to be left alone in the house for too long, White Shepherd Dogs crave interaction and involvement. They are fiercely protective of their homes and families, and they get along great with other pets. Standoffish and detached with strangers or those outside the family unit, they have been known to “herd” children or bark protectively.

Quick Facts

Ideal Human Companions

White Shepherd Dogs on Dogster

Trademark Traits

Intelligent

Hardworking

Alert

Watchful

Sensitive

Things You Should Know

White Shepherd Dogs have sharp instincts and fertile minds. Lots of activity and exercise will make them happy; however, tracking, obedience and agility games—or any task-oriented activity—will make them even happier. A bored or neglected White Shepherd may resort to chewing furniture, digging up flowers or other tomfoolery.

White Shepherd Dogs can live as long as 11 years. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, joint problems and eye issues. Some are also prone to bloat, so remember to feed them smaller portions.

White Shepherd Dog History

The White Shepherd Dog was developed mainly in America from a strain of white German Shepherds. Interest in these white puppies, which have appeared in German Shepherd litters throughout history, began with 19th century shepherds who wanted white dogs to distinguish from the darker wolves that threatened their flocks. In the early 1900s, some white German Shepherds were bred together and, by the 1960s, the White Shepherd Dog breed was firmly established.

The Look of a White Shepherd Dog

White Shepherd Dogs look very much like white German Shepherds. They have a noble and balanced look—slightly longer than tall, sturdy but lean. They have slightly broad foreheads, long muzzles, pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes with a friendly expression. Their necks slope down to muscular shoulders and legs. Their back legs are solid and their tails are a little bushy.